Former Patient Pursues Medical Interpreter Career
A 19-year-old Salt Lake City native aims to support deaf patients at the hospital where he was once treated.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Special Needs
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Phoenix Small, who received extensive care for severe clubfeet at Shriners Children's Salt Lake City during his childhood, is pursuing a career as a medical interpreter. He intends to use his skills to assist deaf patients at the same facility that provided his own medical treatment.
Why it matters
His decision reflects a desire to bridge communication gaps in healthcare environments based on his personal history as a patient navigating complex medical care. By becoming an interpreter, he seeks to provide the same level of dedicated support to the deaf community that he experienced as a child.
Phoenix Small is 19 years old and completed his study of American Sign Language over the course of 1.5 years.
The players
Phoenix Small
He is a 19-year-old resident of Salt Lake City who was born with severe clubfeet.
Shriners Children's Salt Lake City
It is a pediatric healthcare facility that provides specialized medical and surgical treatment to children.
The details
After undergoing multiple surgeries and periods in casts for clubfeet as a child, Small learned American Sign Language while fulfilling high school requirements. He now plans to leverage this education to work as a medical interpreter.
Timeline
Childhood: Phoenix Small received treatment for clubfeet.
High school: Phoenix Small began studying American Sign Language.
Culture Shift
This transition from patient to provider mirrors a broader societal trend where individuals seek professional roles that provide direct back-to-the-community service. Such narratives reflect a move toward empathetic, patient-centered care models within institutions like the Shriners Children's network of hospitals.
For Salt Lake City residents, this development highlights the availability of inclusive communication resources at regional medical centers. It serves as a practical example for students and career-seekers regarding the utility of acquiring American Sign Language skills for high-demand healthcare roles.
The takeaway
Personal experience in a medical setting can serve as a powerful catalyst for long-term career goals. Developing proficiency in a second language like American Sign Language can create unique opportunities to serve underrepresented populations in professional healthcare.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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